Jaclyn Karpinsky is an undergraduate student at The Ohio State University with an array of accomplishments. She is currently studying communication analysis and engagement with a minor in legal foundations of society.
Karpinsky serves as a teaching assistant with Associate Professor of Practice Nicole Kraft. She assists Kraft in her Media Law and Ethics class, where students study legal and ethical issues journalists face throughout their careers.
“It has opened up so many doors for me. My relationship with Nicole Kraft has grown, and she has connections in every field all across the country. Her guidance is something that is invaluable to me.” This opportunity provides her with the chance to take on a leadership position within the School of Communication and has introduced her to new passions.
“Obviously I am getting class credit for being a TA, but working under Nicole has also made me realize a newfound love of teaching," Karpinsky said.
Karpinsky also recently took on a research position with Associate Professor Jesse Fox on a project titled Media Experience Coding. As part of this project, she reads participant responses from surveys on their media experience and thoughts on certain public figures. She then converts them into numbers to be processed throughout the next stages of research. The entirety of the project examines the implications of social media and other communication technologies, specifically how certain media figures can be perceived through the public eye depending on their social media presence.
“It's a very interesting process," Karpinsky said. "I'm excited to learn more about it."
Karpinsky utilized her communication skills and love for sports during her time as a freelance reporter for The Lantern, Ohio State’s multimedia student voice. She focused on writing stories for the baseball team, which included game recaps and highlights. She also produced a video package previewing the Iowa State Big 10 Men's Basketball Tournament.
“It was an unbelievable experience. I didn't know the opportunities that I was going to get. I've met a lot of cool people by working with the baseball team. I got to produce a video package which was tough but a very good experience. I'm very glad the Lantern offered me all of that,” Karpinsky said.
One of these experiences happened to Karpinsky while sitting in the baseball press box. She met and talked to a Big 10 network associate who gave her his contact information and asked her to connect with him in the future. This interaction gave Karpinsky insight into a potential employer and career. She has now taken on a position as a student video assistant with Big 10+, working with Ohio State athletics.
Karpinsky knew she wanted to attend Ohio State as she grew up a buckeye her whole life, living in Strongsville, Ohio. She is also involved in the Ohio Union Activities Board where she plans university events in the comedy committee. She has been a part of many events, most memorably bringing Trixie Mattel, a TV personality, to perform on campus. Karpinsky is expected to graduate in May of 2025 and hopes to pursue a career working with a professional sports team after graduate school.
Article by student Alexis O’Dell
